Matthew Macfayden and his wife Keeley Hawes are to star in a new ITV drama about the Labour MP John Stonehouse.
The former MP for Walsall North was a member of Harold Wilson's government in the 1970s who faked his own death in 1974, intent on starting a new life down under with his mistress.
Stonehouse was discovered and arrested months later, spending time in prison before dying for real in 1988 - but decades after his death in 2010, it emerged that he was an alleged Czech spy.
The three-part drama based on his life, Stonehouse, will see Macfayden - known for Succession and Spooks - play the lead role, with Hawes starring as his wife Barbara.
"I've always been fascinated by John Stonehouse," said writer John Preston. "The story of how he faked his own death and tried to start a new life in Australia under an assumed name is one of the most bizarre true-life tales I've ever come across.
"I'm absolutely thrilled that it's being brought to the screen with such an outstanding cast."
The series is due to air on ITV in the UK and BritBox in North America later this year.
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 31, 2025
